Billy Meredith  (30 July 1874 – 19 April 1958) was one of Wales’ first football superstars playing for both  Manchester City and United in a career that lasted over thirty years.  After spells at Chirk and Northwich Victoria, Billy joined Manchester City in October 1894. Meredith's career with City was distinct in two parts. His first time was tarnished by the allegation that he bribed Aston Villa's Alex Leake £10 to lose a match and in 1904 he was hit with an 18 month ban from playing for City.  In May 1906, he moved to Manchester United where  he quickly became a firm favourite amongst the fans. In 1921 he returned to City where he continued to play until the age of 47Billy Meredith's trademark was a toothpick he chewed while playing to aid concentration. He first chewed tobacco, until the cleaners refused to wash the spit off his shirts!   In 1926 Meredith starred in a feature film, playing himself as a trainer. By the time of his retirement he had played in some 1100 matches.  He later worked as coach and scout as well as running a Manchester pub.